Senior Data Engineer

The Digital team have a fantastic new opportunity for someone who is passionate about using data to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

The Trust has launched a new Research Strategy and has invested in a position to support harnessing data to support research. As well as fulfilling the technical elements of the role, there is a need for strong collaboration alongside clinical research and academic partners across the region, so would suit someone who is used to dealing with multiple stakeholders.

The Senior Data Engineer will lead the development and ongoing maintenance of technologies that facilitate researchers’ safe and secure access to health datasets for the Trust. This is a critical role supporting both operational excellence and research innovation, enabling the organisation to harness data effectively to improve patient outcomes and meet regulatory obligations.

The post will involve working onsite at one of our various hospital premises for a minimum three days a week.

If you would like to make any informal enquiries then please contact Paula Pickford, Chief Data and Analytical Officer at

The Senior Data Engineer will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining modern data infrastructure to support the analytical and reporting needs of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. This role will focus heavily on the Microsoft BI stack, with particular emphasis on Azure Fabric, to build and manage a scalable, secure, and high performing data warehouse within a Secure Data Environment (SDE).

The Trust has invested in Microsoft Azure platform with an ambition to provide a highly functional research facility and therefore a significant component of the role involves contributing to the design and delivery of a Trusted Research Environment (TRE). This will require a strong understanding of secure data access frameworks, governance and compliance, with particular attention to the handling of sensitive healthcare related data and the complexities this involves.

The role holder will be expected to champion best practices in data engineering, including CI/CD, version control, testing, and documentation. They will also collaborate with Research & Innovation, academic institutes, pharmaceutical companies, data analysts, BI developers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with enterprise architecture, data strategy, and governance.

• Educated to degree level in a related subject or have significant relevant practical data engineering experience
• Postgraduate level qualification in a relevant technical discipline or relevant equivalent experience, supported by specialist training and relevant study
• Membership and Professional Registration of a relevant Fed IP recognised professional body is desirable (BCS, SOCITM, IHRIM, CILIP, AphA)

• Understanding of the potential of data and the critical impact that quality data has across a complex organisation, a detailed understanding of data management practices.
• Current expert knowledge and experience of using SQL / Synapse SQL, Python, Data Factory, Spark etc.
• An understanding of NHS Statutory Reporting, Data Flows and Commissioning Process
• Ability to analyse and document business reporting requirements with an understanding of the resulting technical implications
• Able to formulate plans which cover a range of complex activities including target setting and prioritisation of activities
• Able to lead others, including the management of performance and delivery of outcomes, in line and non-line management relationships
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Experience of working with a Patient Based Clinical Information System

• Understanding of available data sources within an NHS Trust and how these can be extracted and combined for the benefit of the Trust
• Experience of requirements gathering and working with stakeholders to establish clear and realistic time frames
• Experience of managing risk and reporting
• Experience of NHS data sets, broad understanding of NHS information procedures, legislation and policies
• Significant and relevant experience of working in the NHS or health setting
• Knowledge of…